User Researcher (Temporary) - Activision

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: User Researcher (Temporary)

Company: Activision

Location: Sherman Oaks, California, United States

Job Type: Temporary, Other

Category: User Experience Research / Game Development Operations

Date Posted: 2026-05-18

Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

Remote Status: Hybrid (3 Days Onsite)

🚀 Role Summary

• Conduct and oversee user research initiatives for Activision's renowned gaming franchises, ensuring player sentiment and usability are at the forefront of development.

• Employ a diverse range of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies to gather actionable insights that directly inform game design and development decisions.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional development teams, translating complex research findings into clear, concise reports and actionable recommendations for implementation.

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of user experience within Activision's titles, leveraging expertise in game design and player psychology to enhance player journeys.

• This temporary role offers a unique opportunity to impact globally recognized gaming brands within a fast-paced, dynamic entertainment industry.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role is specifically focused on User Research within the gaming industry, with a strong emphasis on qualitative methods and a requirement for passion and experience with video games, particularly single-player titles. The temporary nature suggests a project-based need, likely within a larger development cycle.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan, execute, and manage user research studies for assigned Activision game projects, from initial conception through to final reporting, under the guidance of a manager.

• Apply a variety of research methodologies, including but not limited to: usability testing, appreciation playtesting, balance testing, focus group moderation, in-depth interviewing, survey design and deployment, heuristic evaluations, card sorting exercises, exploratory research, and field studies.

• Develop, write, and edit clear, actionable research reports and surveys that effectively communicate findings and insights to stakeholders.

• Present summarized research results and key insights directly to development teams, facilitating discussions and driving informed decision-making for game improvements.

• Provide thoughtful design suggestions and recommendations based on research observations, expert analysis, and an understanding of player behavior.

• Occasionally travel to conduct on-site user testing sessions or to serve as a research expert for remote teams or events.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to research, requiring the candidate to manage the entire research lifecycle for specific projects. The emphasis on presenting findings directly to development teams underscores the importance of strong communication and collaboration skills within a game development context.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required in Computer Science, Statistics, Psychology, Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Human Factors, Information Technology, or a closely related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2-5 years of professional experience in applied user research, product evaluation, and user experience (UX) research.

• Proven track record of managing stakeholder needs and expectations within a game development or similar fast-paced project environment.

• Direct experience conducting user research specifically for video games is a mandatory requirement.

Required Skills:

• Expertise in qualitative research methods (e.g., interviews, usability testing, focus groups).

• Professional time and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple projects concurrently.

• Strong analytical skills for interpreting research data and identifying key insights.

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal, for reporting and presenting findings.

Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with quantitative research methods and statistical analysis.

• Experience with inferential statistical analysis methods.

• Knowledge of data visualization software (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, or similar).

• Familiarity with telemetric methods and tools for in-game data collection.

• Understanding of biometric research techniques and applications.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a Bachelor's degree in specific technical or behavioral fields, combined with 2-5 years of experience in video game user research, positions this as a mid-level role. The strong preference for candidates with a passion for games, particularly single-player titles, is a critical differentiator.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated selection of case studies demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the user research process from planning to execution and reporting.

• Examples of research methodologies applied to game development projects, showcasing the ability to adapt techniques to specific game genres and player bases.

• Documented instances of how research findings directly influenced game design decisions, user interface (UI) improvements, or gameplay mechanics.

• Evidence of creating clear, concise, and actionable research reports and presentations tailored for development teams.

Process Documentation:

• Detailed descriptions of how research plans are developed, including participant recruitment strategies, methodology selection, and task design for various game types.

• Examples of how research findings are synthesized and translated into actionable recommendations that development teams can readily implement.

• Documentation of experience with iterative testing cycles, showing how feedback loops are established and utilized for continuous game improvement.

• Evidence of using data visualization tools to present complex qualitative and quantitative data in an easily digestible format for diverse audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a User Researcher role, a strong portfolio is paramount. It should not just showcase research outputs but critically, the process and impact. Applicants should be prepared to detail how they identified research problems, selected appropriate methods, executed studies, analyzed data, and crucially, how their insights led to tangible improvements in the game and player experience.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

For a User Researcher (Temporary) with 2-5 years of experience in Sherman Oaks, California, the estimated salary range is between $70,000 and $95,000 annually. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, considering the specialized nature of game user research and the temporary employment type. Activision's compensation structures may vary based on specific project needs, candidate qualifications, and prevailing market rates.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package focusing on physical, emotional, and financial well-being.

• Opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement within a leading global gaming company.

• Potential for exposure to cutting-edge game development technologies and methodologies.

• Collaborative work environment with passionate industry professionals.

Working Hours:

• Standard full-time working hours (approximately 40 hours per week).

• Onsite work required for three specific days per week: Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

• Flexibility may be required to meet project deadlines and evolving business needs, including potential adjustments to work arrangements.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this is a temporary role, specific benefits and their duration will depend on the contract terms. The salary range is an estimate for the Los Angeles area, reflecting experience level and industry. The hybrid schedule is explicitly defined.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Interactive Entertainment / Video Game Development

Company Size: Large Enterprise (Activision Blizzard is part of Microsoft, with tens of thousands of employees globally).

Founded: Activision was founded in 1979. Its history is marked by the creation and acquisition of numerous iconic gaming franchises.

Team Structure:

• The User Research team likely operates within or closely alongside game development studios, collaborating with producers, designers, engineers, and artists.

• Researchers may report to a senior user researcher, a UX lead, or a director of product development, depending on the studio's organizational structure.

Methodology:

• Activision likely employs a data-driven approach to game development, integrating user feedback and behavioral data to refine gameplay, narrative, and overall player experience.

• Methodologies will span both qualitative (understanding why) and quantitative (understanding how much) research to provide a holistic view of player sentiment and behavior.

• Emphasis on iterative design and development, where user research plays a continuous role throughout the game's lifecycle.

Company Website: https://careers.activision.com

📝 Enhancement Note: Activision operates within the highly competitive and fast-paced video game industry. The culture is likely to be dynamic, creative, and results-oriented, with a strong focus on player engagement and delivering high-quality entertainment experiences. The emphasis on "epic entertainment" and diverse teams suggests an inclusive, collaborative environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at a Mid-Level of User Research, requiring 2-5 years of direct experience. It involves independent execution of research tasks and direct communication with development teams, but with managerial oversight for planning and strategic direction.

Reporting Structure: The User Researcher will report to a manager or lead within the User Research department. They will work closely with various development teams (e.g., design, engineering, art) on specific game projects.

Operations Impact: The User Researcher's impact is directly tied to improving the player experience. By identifying usability issues, understanding player sentiment, and validating design decisions, they directly contribute to the quality, engagement, and potential commercial success of Activision's game titles. Their insights help mitigate risks associated with poor player reception and optimize gameplay loops for maximum player satisfaction.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Deepen expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced qualitative techniques, quantitative analysis, biometrics, telemetry) or specific game genres.

• Leadership Development: Progress to Senior User Researcher roles, taking on more complex projects, mentoring junior researchers, and contributing to research strategy.

• Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Gain exposure to other areas of game development, such as game design, production, or analytics, to foster a more holistic understanding of the product lifecycle.

• Project Ownership: Lead research initiatives for major game titles, influencing significant design decisions and contributing to the success of flagship franchises.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a temporary role, the growth opportunities are primarily focused on skill acquisition and project experience rather than long-term career progression within Activision itself. However, the experience gained is highly valuable for future roles in the gaming industry.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is based in Activision's Sherman Oaks office, requiring a hybrid work arrangement with 3 days per week onsite. This suggests a traditional office setting with collaborative workspaces.

Office Location(s): Sherman Oaks, California, known for its accessibility within the greater Los Angeles area. This location likely provides a professional and well-equipped environment for research activities.

Workspace Context:

• The workspace will likely include dedicated areas for conducting user testing sessions, potentially equipped with recording equipment, gaming consoles, and PCs.

• Collaboration spaces will be available for team meetings, presentations, and cross-functional discussions with game developers.

• Access to necessary software and hardware for research, analysis, and reporting will be provided.

• The environment is expected to be fast-paced, creative, and focused on delivering high-quality game experiences.

Work Schedule: The hybrid schedule (3 days onsite: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) implies a structured work week designed to balance in-office collaboration with remote flexibility. The company reserves the right to adjust this arrangement based on business needs, common in temporary or project-based roles.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is a key aspect of the work environment, indicating a need for both in-person collaboration and the ability to work effectively remotely. The specific days onsite are fixed, providing a predictable structure.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A recruiter or hiring manager will review applications and resumes, focusing on relevant experience in user research, particularly within the gaming industry.

• Screening Interview: A brief call to assess basic qualifications, understanding of research methodologies, and passion for gaming.

• Technical Interview/Portfolio Review: A more in-depth session where candidates present their portfolio, discuss case studies, and answer questions about their research process, problem-solving skills, and experience with specific methodologies. This is a critical stage for demonstrating practical application.

• Onsite/Virtual Interview(s): Further interviews with potential team members, hiring managers, or cross-functional stakeholders to assess cultural fit, collaboration style, and deeper technical expertise.

• Final Decision: Offer extended to the selected candidate.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Showcase Game Research: Prioritize projects directly related to video games, especially single-player experiences. Detail the game's genre, target audience, and specific research objectives.

• Structure Your Case Studies: For each project, clearly outline: The Problem/Objective, Your Role, Methodology Used, The Process (planning, execution, analysis), Key Findings, and The Impact (how your research influenced the game).

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your research (e.g., "reduced critical usability errors by X%," "improved player retention by Y%").

• Highlight Methodologies: Be prepared to discuss the rationale behind your methodological choices and how you adapted them to the unique challenges of game development.

• Visual Appeal: Ensure your portfolio is well-organized, visually engaging, and easy to navigate. Use clear language and relevant visuals (e.g., anonymized report excerpts, diagrams).

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Application: Be ready to discuss how you would approach a hypothetical research problem for one of Activision's games.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare to walk through how you would troubleshoot a research study that is not yielding clear results or how you would manage conflicting stakeholder feedback.

• Communication Skills: Practice articulating complex research findings concisely and persuasively, as if presenting to a development team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio review is likely to be a significant part of the evaluation process. Candidates should tailor their presentations to highlight their specific experience with game user research and their ability to translate findings into actionable insights for game development teams.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Research Platforms: Experience with various usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback, Maze) and survey tools (e.g., SurveyMonkey, Qualtrics, Google Forms).

• Collaboration Tools: Proficiency in project management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, Trello) and communication platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams).

• Data Analysis Software: Familiarity with qualitative data analysis tools (e.g., NVivo, Dovetail) and potentially statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python for statistical analysis).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Data Visualization: Knowledge of tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even advanced Excel for creating clear and impactful data visualizations.

• Reporting Tools: Ability to generate professional reports using standard office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct CRM role, understanding how user data integrates with player databases or customer relationship management systems might be beneficial.

• Familiarity with in-game telemetry tools and platforms for collecting player behavior data is a plus.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core requirement is proficiency in standard user research tools and methodologies. Familiarity with data visualization and statistical tools, along with knowledge of in-game telemetry, would be advantageous given the "Extra Points" section.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Player-Centricity: A fundamental commitment to understanding and advocating for the player experience in all research and recommendations.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasizing the use of empirical evidence from research to guide development choices.

• Collaboration: Fostering strong partnerships with development teams to ensure research insights are understood and effectively integrated.

• Innovation: Continuously exploring new research methods and technologies to enhance understanding of player behavior and sentiment.

• Quality & Excellence: A dedication to delivering high-quality research that contributes to the creation of exceptional gaming experiences.

Collaboration Style:

• Partnership: Working closely with game designers, producers, and engineers as an integrated part of the development team.

• Clear Communication: Translating complex research findings into accessible language for non-researchers.

• Constructive Feedback: Providing actionable, objective feedback that helps teams improve their designs.

• Iterative Process: Embracing a cycle of testing, feedback, and refinement, understanding that user research is ongoing throughout development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The culture at Activision likely values creativity, passion for gaming, and a collaborative spirit. The research team's role is to be a strong advocate for the player, ensuring that development decisions are informed by genuine player insights.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Rapidly Evolving Gaming Landscape: Staying current with new game mechanics, player expectations, and emerging technologies in the fast-paced gaming industry.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholder Needs: Balancing feedback and priorities from multiple development teams and management levels.

• Researching Complex Systems: Understanding and evaluating intricate game mechanics, user interfaces, and player progression systems.

• Temporary Role Constraints: Adapting quickly to project timelines and potentially limited resources typical of a temporary position.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Hands-on Experience: Gaining practical experience with a wide array of user research methodologies applied to AAA game titles.

• Industry Exposure: Working within a leading company in the entertainment industry, understanding its operational dynamics.

• Methodological Expansion: Opportunity to learn and apply advanced techniques, particularly if quantitative or telemetry-focused skills are developed.

• Networking: Building professional connections within the gaming industry through collaboration with experienced developers and researchers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The primary challenge is the temporary nature of the role, requiring quick adaptation and high impact delivery. Growth is focused on acquiring specialized experience within the gaming sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you conducted usability testing for a game. What were your objectives, methods, and key findings?"

• "How would you approach researching player sentiment for a new single-player adventure game like [mention an Activision title]?"

• "Imagine a development team is resistant to your research findings. How would you advocate for your insights and ensure they are considered?"

Company & Culture Questions:

• "What is your favorite Activision game and why? What player experience aspects would you investigate if you were researching it?"

• "How do you stay updated on trends in both user research and the video game industry?"

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Start with Impact: Begin your portfolio presentation by highlighting the most significant impact your research has had on a game or player experience.

• Tell a Story: For each case study, frame it as a narrative: the challenge, the journey through research, and the resolution.

• Focus on "Why": Explain why you chose specific methods and why your findings were important.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about methodology, participant selection, data analysis, and the specific decisions made based on your research.

• Demonstrate Enthusiasm: Convey your passion for games and user research throughout your presentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interviewers will be looking for a blend of technical research skills, a deep understanding of game development processes, and a genuine passion for gaming. The ability to translate research into actionable insights for game designers is paramount.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the Activision careers portal via the provided link.

• Tailor Your Resume: Emphasize your experience in user research for video games, highlighting specific methodologies used and demonstrable impacts on game design or player experience. Use keywords from the job description such as "usability testing," "player sentiment," "qualitative research," and mention specific game genres you've worked with.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Select 2-3 of your strongest research projects that best represent your skills in game user research. Ensure each case study clearly outlines the problem, methodology, process, findings, and impact. Prioritize projects related to single-player games if possible.

• Prepare Your Presentation: Practice presenting your portfolio case studies concisely, focusing on delivering key insights and demonstrating your ability to collaborate with development teams. Be ready to discuss your approach to common research challenges in game development.

• Research Activision: Familiarize yourself with Activision's key franchises, their target audiences, and recent industry news. Understand their commitment to player experience and their values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.